Veda Raye Merryman

Eulogy for Veda

Today, we gather to honor the life of our mother Veda — a woman whose quiet strength, boundless love, and unwavering determination shaped the lives of everyone who knew her.

She was born on December 4, 1947, to Columbus Tynes Wright and Ruby Irene Westmoreland Brean Wright — a late-in-life surprise who brought unexpected joy and light into their world. She grew up in Tyronza, Arkansas, in a little house on Memphis Street with her mother Ruby. That home, though modest, was filled with warmth, music, and the kind of love that builds strong hearts. It was there that her story began — a story of resilience, grace, and deep devotion.

From a young age, music was woven into her life. She played the piano every Sunday at the First Baptist Church in Tyronza, filling the sanctuary with hymns that lifted hearts and brought comfort to many. The piano remained her lifelong companion — its keys, her voice, her solace, and her joy.

She never met a stranger. Whether it was a neighbor, a passerby, or someone in need, she welcomed them with open arms and a generous heart. She would try to help anyone — not because she had to, but because that’s who she was. And she had a gift for laughter. She could make anyone smile on any given day, often with just a quick wit or a perfectly timed story.

Her greatest joy, though, was her family. She adored her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and they adored her right back. She was the kind of grandmother who made every child feel like the most important person in the world — with her hugs, her stories, and her gentle wisdom.

And while she didn’t make cookies, she made something far better: her banana pudding was legendary, her dressing was soul-soothing, and her fudge? Untouchable. These weren’t just recipes — they were traditions, passed down with love and served with pride. Her kitchen was a place of comfort, laughter, and togetherness.

She was also a woman of remarkable intellect and perseverance. As a young woman, she graduated high school as valedictorian — a testament to her brilliance and dedication. And later in life, she returned to college, earning her bachelor’s degree with pride and grace. Her journey reminds us that it’s never too late to learn, grow, and achieve.

She taught us that love is a daily act, that learning never stops, and that music — like life — is best when shared. Her legacy lives on in the lives she touched, the lessons she taught, and the melodies she left behind.

She is survived by her three children: Shellie “Shay” Burns-Kendricks, Shane D. Westmoreland, and Shanna Lynne Velasquez (Timothy Velasquez); two grandchildren: Sarrah-Bryn Olivia Velasquez (Santiago) and Joseph Landon Velasquez (Lexie); and six great-grandchildren: Gabriela, Addison, Averie, Kohen, Kaiden, and Kayson — each of whom carries a piece of her heart and her spirit forward.

She is preceded in death by her father, Columbus Tynes Wright, and her mother, Ruby Irene Westmoreland Brean Wright.

From her great-granddaughter Addison:"I can never have a better great grandma. She was sweet and kind. She was the best. I would always go and see her every Sunday. It will not be the same on Sundays because that’s when we would go visit Mamaw and help her with her tomatoes."

As requested by the family, there will be no formal visitation. A private family graveside service will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to your favorite charity that serves either people in crisis or animals in need — as Veda always had an open door and a generous heart for both.

Letters of condolence to the family may be directed in care of Shellie “Shay” Burns-Kendricks, P.O. Box 38, Los Alamos, New Mexico 87544.

We will miss her deeply, but we will carry her with us — in every song, every story, every act of kindness, and every bite of banana pudding.

Thank you, Mom, for everything.